Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Added to Extensive Guest List for G7 Summit

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has extended invitations to an unprecedented number of world leaders for the upcoming Group of Seven (G7) summit, including Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The diverse guest list of at least 12 heads of state and government reflects Italy’s commitment to broadening the horizons of the G7, a group traditionally comprised of wealthy democracies.

Among the confirmed attendees are leaders from India, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Turkey, Algeria, Kenya, and Mauritania. This summit will mark the first overseas trip for India’s Narendra Modi since his recent election victory and for South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa following his loss of an overall majority.

Notably, the inclusion of Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, a country often criticized for human rights abuses, highlights Italy’s emphasis on dialogue and understanding different perspectives to achieve results. Additionally, Pope Francis will make history as the first pontiff to participate in a G7 meeting, addressing the risks and opportunities posed by Artificial Intelligence.

Critics of the G7’s elitist reputation may find Italy’s extensive guest list refreshing, as it aims to foster consensus on critical issues like relations with China and draw attention to the challenges faced by the Global South, particularly Africa. With a focus on topics such as AI, energy, Africa, and the Mediterranean, the summit promises numerous opportunities for bilateral discussions and potential encounters between leaders with differing viewpoints.